Bella
"Okay… maybe some other time then," Professor Namjoon said, trying to sound casual. His voice tried to make up for the awkward expression on his face, but it didn't quite land.
I couldn't care less if the entire class looked at me like I had just stepped on a scorpion's tail. I was only giving back the energy I was given, and there was nothing wrong with that. Imagine sharing my vulnerability with someone so dense and detached. He might actually laugh.
So I stayed silent, listening to the others talk about their struggles and progress. From what I gathered, every member of this therapy group had deep-rooted issues and had lost someone they loved tragically, just like me. I guess Raventon was selective even with trauma. Carefully curated classmates. How delightful.
The meeting dragged on for three long hours. Everyone spoke, except me and, of course, Princess Stefan. When it was finally over, he was the first one out the door, storming off like the room offended him.
"What's his problem?" I mumbled to myself, not expecting anyone to answer.
But someone did.
"You," said a voice behind me. A head of fake red hair appeared beside mine. "You're his problem. He's never acted like this before. And aren't you the girl marked by the Dominion? Wait till they hear what happened here."
She gave a soft, amused chuckle, clearly enjoying herself.
I was about to respond, but someone else beat me to it. Professor Namjoon.
He coughed from his end of the table, a quiet sound that still managed to cut through the room. "What happens in this room stays in this room," he said, voice calm but sharp. "You know the rules. If anything gets out, everyone is punished. Everyone except Bella. And I believe you all remember how severe the consequences are for breaking confidentiality."
The redhead froze. Her amusement vanished, replaced by a flicker of fear. Even the others looked uneasy.
Strange. I doubted the professor could kill a fly with his nerdy glasses, but they all looked like they had just been reminded he could snap bones.
Then, just like that, he smiled again, bright and sweet. "You all should try to get some rest. I ended early so you'd have a little time to breathe."
And just like that, the room shifted again. Calm on the surface. Uneasy underneath.
"That was… something," I mumbled to myself, walking out of the room.
Outside again, that uncomfortable sensation returned, the feeling of eyes on my back. It had been happening a lot lately. I told myself it was probably just my new fans, the Dominions or whatever edgy name they called themselves, trying to mess with my head like the elite, psychotic cult they clearly were.
Still, they were the least of my problems at the moment. My mind was already elsewhere: I was excited to finally send my weekly message to my loved ones.
Ironically, I'd learned that actual phones were only given to outstanding students or those in their second year and above. Instead, we were given access to this exclusive, school-monitored social media system. It looked like a mash-up of every normal app, video sharing, messages, everything, but with a twist: you had to use your real name and ID. No anonymity, no fake accounts. They said it made bullying nearly nonexistent.
Doubtful, but fine. I'd play along.
There was a small line forming at the phone room, where students dropped voice messages to their family and friends. Everyone in line had their IDs out, so I followed suit. I quickly noticed something odd. It was only newbies like me waiting. No older students, no "outstanding" ones. Strange.
After a few minutes, it was finally my turn.
I stepped into the white, windowless room. It was sterile and bright, with several mounted phones and clear instructions. To begin, I had to rename the audio file with my full name, the recipient's name, and their number. They said once it was saved, I wouldn't need to redo the info again. Efficient. Creepy, but efficient.
For the first few seconds, I was silent.
I wish I could see her face. Breana. My best friend. The only person who ever truly understood me. I took a deep breath, chest heavy, and hit record.
"I miss you," I began softly. I talked about the little things first, our favorite snacks, how weird the sky looked here, and how the halls never echoed, even when they should. But then, somewhere between explaining the school and its endless rules, I spiraled.
"There's this insufferable jerk here," I found myself saying. "He walks around like he's some kind of prince. But he's a fucking troll with a pretty face."
By the time I realized how off-topic I'd gone, my five minutes were up. The timer beeped. The door slid open.
I groaned under my breath. I didn't even get to tell her about how beautiful and terrifying this place is. Just… wasted my whole message ranting about that stupid boy.
The rest of the day was no better. I spent it buried in the library, forcing my brain to work while other students popped their study pills like candy. Honestly, I almost caved. This bulky coursework was a nightmare. I wasn't sure I had the brainpower to survive it.
Eventually, I dragged myself back to my room, expecting peace. What I got instead was chaos. My roommate's side looked like raccoons had hosted a party and trashed the place. She was nowhere in sight, and I was way too tired to investigate.
I threw myself onto my bed, promising myself I'd nap just a little before showering.
Just a little nap.
What followed was the strangest lucid dream I'd ever had.
I saw myself leave the room, barefoot and silent. The hallway was empty, except for the guard bots pacing like silent ghosts. Somehow, they didn't see me. I kept walking, then climbing.
Stairs. Hundreds of them. Spiraling, endless, but I never got tired. Step after step, higher and higher, until I was on the rooftop.
The sky above me wasn't the usual dark; it was charcoal, like a thick mist had swallowed the stars. Everything was too quiet. I felt like I was watching through someone else's eyes, like a gamer in spectator mode. I was aware… but not in control.
And then, I did something even more bizarre.
I walked to the edge. Climbed up.
No hesitation.
I stepped off.
But the second my foot left the ledge, wind slammed into me. Air rushed into my lungs, and I woke up.
Falling. Gasping.
Eyes wide, heart racing.